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Home My WebLink AboutClinton News-Record, 1978-03-02, Page 17Ea, centrahuron chronicle (Philip Street editor ) secondary school news Candid interview with Teacher Editor's note : The following was written by a grade nine student. Both the teacher and student are unnamed. During the very well publicized (and enjoyed) Teacher's strike, I decided to take it upon myself to in- terview, a teacher to get his candid opinions about the strike. Although I expected evasive answers, the results surprised even me. In order to do this, I corralled a teacher while he was picketing in front of the school. Before he would answer any of my questions however, I had to vow that he would remain anonymous. Thus he is referred to as "Teacher X". "How do you feel about the strike personally?" I began. "All I am required to give is name, rank and serial number," said Teacher X, with a smile. "Okay then, what is your opinion of the board's position on the issues?" I countered. "Say, do you know what the temperature is today? It's darn cold out, even for a polar bear!" At this point, I could see that I was very tactfully being led down the garden path, so I decided to question Teacher X about a few less controversial items. "Do you think students will have to make up the lost time this summer?" I queried. "I have to stop and pick up a loaf of bread later. I musn't forget," Teacher X replied smugly. By now I saw that Teacher X's strong resistance was crumbling. "How much longer do you feel the strike will last?" I asked hopefully. "Did you see Star Wars yet' Boy, that is some movie!" Teacher X answered, ob- viously ducking the question. "Do you possibly foresee a swift end to the strike?" I desperately asked. "I think it might even get an Oscar for 'best picture. Star Wars, I mean," he said, again impervious to the question. I elected to ask Teacher X the question I had saved for last: "If you, yourself were in charge of' negotiations, what would you do?" "You know, the sky reminds me of a day last year when my wife and I were driving through Quebec It is obvious from this in- terview that Teacher X is well suited and qualified to enter the field of politics: have you ever considered this possibility, Teacher X? On second thought, don't answer that, sir. Editorial comment Teachers are in the right by Philip Street The current stand-off between the teachers and the board could last a long time. Long enough to in- convenience the graduating classes and severely cramp the remainder of the school year. Negotiations may come naturally when the OSSTF and the Board of Education are on speaking terms again, if not, the board must realize that ,.government -imposed arbitration waits at the end of the line. In any case, much of the responsibility for the speedy settlement must lie with the board, for the board's position on the two outstanding issues - teacher's workload and sick leave credit gratuity - is no less negotiable than that of the teachers. As a student, I must say that I support the teachers' position. In the first matter, the board is attempting to remove a clause from a previous contract which insures that no county teachers will face extreme workloads. The teachers demand this assurance; the board maintains that it is respons,ihle to the taxpayers, although it is actually the principals and the vice - principals of the schools who make up the timetables. I find it difficult to believe that the board is more directly in- volved with the quality - control of education than are the teachers. The teachers know better than anyone, the size of a class at which teaching becomes im- possible. In the second matter, that of the gratuity, the board's position seems to me to be unfair. They wish to impose a restriction (again, not in last year's contract) stating that in order to obtain credit for unused sick leave (upon retirement after at least 12 years working in this coun- try) the teacher must be at least 50 years of age. This is the teachers' question: what happens to the teacher who teaches for 25 years and retires at the age of 49? That the board is con- scious of reasonable spending is to their credit,. but such measures must be fair to all concerned. I hope that the two sides may come to an agreement fairly soon. I am enjoying my "holiday" now, but, I also want to be able to enjoy the rest of the school year when I return. 777,-7777, CLINTON NEWS -RECORD, THURSDAY, MARCH, 2, 1974 10. Magazine drive gets $2,500 for CHSS The annual CHSS student council organized fund raising drive ran from February 1 to 14. Our totals beat Goderich's sales of $9,000 by $200. The fund raising drive consisted of the sale of magazine subscriptions to local residents at low prices. Each day CHSS had a dif- Winter carnival The annual Winter Carnival was held on Thursday, February 16. On that date the student -teacher hockey game was held and the students got out of classes at 1:17 p.m. Unfortunately, due to the strike conditions, Friday's activities, including an ice cream eating contest, were cancelled. ferent theme such as Pie -In - The -Face Day, Blow Your Mind Day, Book Day and others. There were other prizes given out as well such as pins for those selling at least two subscriptions and mugs for those selling $5 or more. This year's campaign has been very successful and netting the student council over $2,500. Many thanks to those who participated. The Cheerleaders Brenda, Elaine, Joanne or Vicki, I like them all, I'm not that picky, They make the sporting events worthwhile, For each of them I'd walk a mile. They are the cheerleaders from CHSS, The nicest girls they are (the best. They work real hard and have a ball, Doing their thing in the main hall. All good looking, with bouncing hair, They do their thing with grace and care. Get out and watch, give your attention, Guaranteed better than Dickie's detention. - A friend What you think.. • from page 4 supported extra -curricular activities and always instilled in their offspring that rules must be obeyed and teachers respected. . Granted dissatisfaction and differences need to be aired and resolved, but surely both sides need not use our students as the means to the end. So the parents reason "Why?". Why should they write off potentially suc, cessful graduates against the whims of both the Board and the Teachers' Union? Two Concerened Parents, Bayfield Smile Sign in classroom at exam time: "Do your own think." 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